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NUMISMATIC
COMMENTARY
Archived Commentaries
INTERESTING AND USEFUL BOOKS
RELATED TO COLONIAL COINS, HALF CENTS AND LARGE CENTS
By John Dirnbauer Summer, 2011 The art and science of numismatics is based on the cumulative knowledge and information gathered over the past 225 years. Montroville Dickeson, Sylvester Crosby, Augustus Sage, Edward Maris and others enjoyed the challenges and intellectual stimulation of numismatic pursuits. These scholars built upon past knowledge and facilitated the study and formation of meaningful collections. These efforts led to the discovery of previously unknown historical facts, the identification of new die varieties and die combinations, and the establishment of estimates of coin populations. Since the 1950’s, many new reference books have come into our hands and have greatly increased current enjoyment of the hobby. The community of numismatists has embraced these works and has used them to develop personal expertise and to sharpen coin acquisition skills. History will surely thank current researchers such as Sheldon, Newcomb, Breen, Noyes, Grellman, Bowers, Manley, and others. Following are a few books that you may wish to consider adding to your personal library. The relatively small cost will pay you back many times over in many different ways. The Early Coins of America by Sylvester Crosby. Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins by Q. David Bowers. Any of the Colonial Coin Collectors Club (C4) Auction Catalogs, 1995-Present. American Half Cents by Roger S. Cohen, Jr. Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents, 1793-1857 by Walter Breen. Half Cent Die States, 1793-1857 by Dr. Ronald Manley. Penny Whimsy by Dr. William Sheldon. United States Copper Cents, 1816-1857 by Howard Newcomb. U. S. Large Cents, 1793-1814 by William Noyes. U.S. Large Cents, 1816-1857 by William Noyes. Encyclopedia of Early U. S. Cents 1793-1814 by Walter Breen. The Cent Book, 1816-1839 by John Wright. U.S. Cents, 1840-1857 by Robert Grellman. Today, the broad field of early American copper coins has attracted many devotees. Some stay connected for just a short while. Others remain for the rest of their lives. While the buying, selling, and trading of copper coins is a popular pastime – everyone wants to add to their collection – it is perhaps the old-fashioned friendships that are the bigger draw. To immerse oneself in a group of like-minded aficionados is to join a warm and friendly circle. Of course, there is always the excitement of sharing a new find. The books listed above will most certainly provide an entrée into the wonderful world of early American copper coins – colonial coins, half cents, and large copper cents. All of these books are available but some are a bit harder to find than others. Please check the Numismatic Literature page of the John Dirnbauer Rare Coins website for books that may be of interest to you. You are always welcome to call (207.354.3573) or email me ( john@johndirnbauercoins.com) to discuss your coin and book needs. Be sure to check back for the Fall, 2011 installment of Numismatic Commentary in early-October. Until then : Good Hunting. |
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coins kept on premises.